After fierce fighting with a Russian diversion reconnaissance group (DRG) in the vicinity of the town of Shchastya on Saturday April 16, 2015, two Russian soldiers were captured – a captain and a sergeant – both of the Spetsnaz GRU unit from Tolyatti, Samara Oblast, Russia. Both were wounded, although severity of their wounds is unknown at this time. The total loss of Russian attackers is also to be determined. Three Ukrainians soldiers were killed and three wounded in the battle. Ukrainian military units that participated in the battle were troops from the 92 Brigade, 8th Regiment and Aidar Battalion.
Russian Spetsnaz POW interrogated by Ukrainians (en subs)
https://www.youtube.cm/watch?v=2fSP6-Ldg3Q
Report: Hasty withdrawal of Russian Spetsnaz from Luhansk may be because of threat of rebellion from the unit.
Previously, it was assumed that such a hasty withdrawal happened because of the disclosure of information on the size, location, and mission of the Russian reconnaissance unit, but the real reasons were much more serious. A former serviceman of the 3rd Spetsnaz Brigade, close to military personnel of the brigade, told the story on condition of anonymity.
Upon arrival at home base, the troops returning from the “Ukrainian assignment” were quartered in separate barracks. Almost all cell phones and other electronic gadgets were taken from them. All attempts were taken to isolate them and prevent any contact with their comrades, family, and friends. On the same day, a group of representatives from the Russian Defense Ministry and people in plain clothes arrived in Tolyatti.
A wave of discontent and indignation arose among enlisted personnel and junior commissioned officers due to the fact that the State, in particular, the command of the Defense Ministry, gave up on their comrades. The greatest outrage was provoked by a statement that the captured in Ukraine servicemen were supposedly discharged before their assignment, and a campaign to discredit them by the Russian government began, involving members of their families.
The command of the brigade and high-ranking officials from General Staff became very concerned with the low level of morale and dissension among the brigade’s personnel. Immediately, identification of the disgruntled and disillusioned began. The rumors of a possible disbandment of the unit, in which the captured soldiers served, spread quickly.
The growing discontent among soldiers and junior officers forced the command to voice another, milder version of the future of the unit. The remaining personnel of the failed group will be dispersed among other units of the brigade. Those who wish to leave military service will be given that opportunity under certain conditions, such as signing a non-disclosure agreement and a temporary ban on travel abroad. “Sanctions” are also expected against commanders who led the reconnaissance and diversionary units and groups during the assignment. At the very least, they may be transferred to other, less prestigious locations; and in the worst case scenario, they can be eliminated, depending on further developments.
https://en.informnapalm.org/russian-special-forces-from-luhansk/
Ukraine says Russia tried to kill captured Russian soldiers
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/18/us-ukraine-crisis-military-klimkin-idUSKBN0O31KH20150518
Both captured Russian soldiers denied that they were released from the Russian army. http://t.co/lp7XrOe4JH pic.twitter.com/lg78q75gVJ
— Onlinemagazin (@OnlineMagazin) May 22, 2015
(As claimed by the Kremlin)
"I am a serving soldier. I went (to Ukraine) under orders. Why are they disowning us?" Powerful @novaya_gazeta i/v http://t.co/q9hUpbhpYp
— Ben Nimmo (@benimmo) May 22, 2015
